Two weeks ago, a local pastor and I took a van loaded with supplies from here in Portugal to the Poland/Ukraine border. After that, we were able to bring back refugees who had left Ukraine and needed help getting to family and friends in Portugal. 

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect or what I would see. However, there’s a big difference between seeing the heartache and devastation that is unfolding on social media and meeting the real people, the real families who are deeply and forever changed by what is happening. I don’t claim to understand it or have some big solution to all of this, but what I do know is that I want to help. Because of this, I am currently leading another such trip.

As a father and a husband, my heart is heavy for the women and children who have left so much behind. I’ve seen moms struggling to hold it together on their own. They are trying to stay strong for their little ones, not knowing what life will be like in the days, weeks, and months to come, not knowing if they will ever see their husbands, fathers, and sons again.

I saw teenage boys, just a little younger than mine, traveling on their own, going to places where they don’t know anyone and they don’t speak the language. They watch the news, constantly glued to their phones, unsure yet trying to be brave. 

We did help, but there is still so much more to be done. Hundreds of thousands of people are crossing the Ukrainian border every day.

It is my desire to fight for the protection of those vulnerable families who have lost so much. I know the Lord has given me the ability and the resources to help in this time, so I pray and plan for what’s next. I want to have the Father’s heart in this.

In a story in the book of Matthew, Jesus talks about the mercy we need to give to others. When we give mercy, we show the love of the Father and the love of Christ to others. 

Matthew 25:35-40

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.”

Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, “Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?” Then the King will say, “I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”

Written by Kevin Janzen

If you would like to help with future trips or find out more about how House Church is Helping Ukrainian Refugees, click the link below: